Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Grammer Alive!!!

See Dick.
See Jane.
See Dick and Jane.
See Dick and Jane run.
See Dick and Jane run to the park.
This is the grammar which was taught years ago by enthusiastic teachers .
So much has changed and the grammar train is now bursting with life, culture, adventure and creativity.
Let me explain first, why the need to accept and value other cultures dialect is crucial for all students to succeed in comprehending and understanding the English language.
The classrooms today, similar to the text "See Dick" are diversely different. The students in the desk are a rainbow of color and diverse languages. Each student values their own native language and therefore the school must embrace all cultures when teaching grammar to students.
Placing a value on other languages spoken is the key towards opening the door to wanting to learn English grammar. It is all about the student and the desire to learn English. Students need to understand and comprehend the importance of learning English while keeping their own patterns of speech alive!
Realizing the interpersonal relationships built outside of the family domain will improve success on numerous levels of life. Being able to converse on two levels of communication is the bottom line in teaching grammar today.
Realizing the benefits of embracing each others culture will enhance the classroom learning environment while instilling the students with pride and respect.

The teacher will provide a safe setting where any question is answered with respect and ridicule never the norm. Occasions will arise where the teacher may not have answers and it is fine to say so. The students feel comfort in knowing that teachers' too are always learning . This takes the pressure off of the students and their willingness to address issues becomes easier when the treat of ridcule is removed.
Students will become active participants in their leaning by peer editing and contributing ideas to foster and develop skills which enable them to understand the meaning of an others' word or phrase.

The term for this frame of thought is called bidialectical,
"What this means is that everyone should have two language varieties, the informal, more private speech they use with family and friends, and the public, formal language of the business."(p.61)
This is a new and exciting wave towards producing a healthy atmosphere in the classroom. To accomplish a bidialectical foundation, educators, principals, and students must ride the train together. Using the train as a metaphor, the engine, different cars and the caboose must all carry their load to develop a safe ride for its passengers.